[Southsider2k12]

http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...ArticleID=27465

South Shore changes seen as headache for MCAS
Burgwald to introduce resolution stressing likely bus-route troubles

Alicia Ebaugh
Staff Writer

MICHIGAN CITY - The possible relocation of South Shore tracks to the south side of 11th Street would wreak havoc on local school-bus routes, forcing Michigan City Area Schools to pay more money to drivers on longer routes.

The closure of half the street crossings along the 11th Street corridor would create the need to change every bus route the district has, said Kevin Neafie, MCAS director of transportation.

For that reason, School Board member Beryle Burgwald is submitting a resolution to the board against a realignment of the South Shore tracks in that area. The board likely will vote on the resolution at its Dec. 15 meeting.

"It will be very disruptive, not only to our bus transportation, but to the community at large," Burgwald said. "But I don't think the South Shore is going to change its mind. I'm not lulled by the City Council's resolution to do a study on a northern route."

On Monday night, the City Council agreed to join the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District in seeking federal funds for a preliminary engineering study of the South Shore relocation that analyzes a northern corridor near the Amtrak line.

Street closures would require some bus stops to be relocated and could require a longer walk for students, Neafie said. This could result in earlier pickup times, longer riding times and later drop-off times.

Because some special-needs students are required to be picked up at home, the cul-de-sacs created by street closures would need to be designed so a school bus could turn around in them.

"It could really end up being a headache for everyone," Neafie said.

Once it is determined where and how far apart street level crossings will be, transportation will be able to assess route changes and possible increases in driving time, he said. This could result in payroll increases, less driver availability for additional routes, field trips and shuttles or even the need for more drivers.